Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, Shire Cottage is a charming retreat surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty. With lake and river fishing on-site, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay amidst nature's splendor. Take advantage of the private parking for 4 cars, Freeview TV, DVD Player in the living room or explore nearby Cromford Canal and River Derwent.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property.
Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot birds in the nearby nature reserve. Badgers visit the farmyard every evening included a rare, white individual.. Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, DVD Player, Electric Fire
Kitchen/dining room: (3 Steps), Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 3: Single (3ft) Bed. Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Cot, highchair and stairgate available on request. External laundry room with washing machine (shared with other property on-site). Patio with garden furniture. Fishing on-site (free of charge). Bike store. Private parking for 4 cars. No smoking.. Leashaw Farm is a fabulous setting and abundant with wildlife, with less common species of birds and badgers, foxes and water voles. Nestling in Derbyshire, on a small working farm, Shire Cottage (ref UK10035) and Nightingale Cottage (ref UKC1570) date back to the 1600s. They have a commanding position off the beaten track in one of the most delightful valleys, which once formed part of Florence Nightingale’s country estate.
The historic Cromford Canal and the beautiful River Derwent pass through the farmland. Whatstandwell is pivotal in the designated World Heritage Site of the Derwent Valley. There are many fine walks straight from the door of this charming cottage and it is only a short drive to Matlock Bath with its famous illuminations and Gullivers Kingdom, the National Tramway Museum, Carsington Water, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Alton Towers and not forgetting the old market towns of Bakewell and Ashbourne, and of course the fabulous Derbyshire Dales.
Fishing is available free of charge in the owners’ private pond, which has tench and crucian carp, and a ½ mile stretch of the River Derwent where you will find trout and grayling. The Peak District National Park is famous for providing glorious scenery and is a must for ramblers to the most serious walkers. Once you have visited Leashaw Farm and sampled all the delights these cottages have to offer, you’ll never want to leave. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Shire Cottage (ref UK10035) and Nightingale Cottage (ref UKC1570) can be booked together to accommodate up to 11 guests.
Free WiFi
There are steps within the property.
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Towels provided
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
On a lake
On a river
Things to do
Fishing
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: This property accepts a maximum of 1 pet(s)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Matlock, this cottage is on a river. Crich Tramway Village and Peak District Mining Museum & Temple Mine are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Derwent Gardens and Gulliver's Kingdom. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at SMH Group Stadium, or consider a night out at Blackbrook House. Visit our Matlock travel guide
Is Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property. pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property. located?
Situated on a river, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Crich Tramway Village, Leawood Pumphouse and Lea Gardens. Cromford Mill is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away. Whatstandwell Station is 13 minutes by foot.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Enjoy both lake and river fishing on-site at this property. Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Excellent base for exploring Matlock Bath and the local area with great walks right from the doorste
Excellent base for exploring Matlock Bath and the local area with great walks right from the doorstep. Shire Cottage is very comfortable with all the facilities you need for a little break away. Much more spacious than on the pictures! Our family of five had the loveliest time, and obviously seeing a real life badger on an evening was the ultimate highlight.
Joanna Collins
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Patrick Leigh
10 Jun 2025
Very old feel to the cottage, which took a little while to get used to.
Very old feel to the cottage, which took a little while to get used to..but once I got the feel of it it was grand..fully furnished for almost everything you need for a quiet away from it all break.. not quite sure where this pub a mile away is..the nearest place, The Family Tree wasn't a pub and anyway isn't dog friendly..least I think it isn't.. local shops are also a drive away..but ydh it was handy if you were visiting local sights but I wasn't..Nice touch to have a few coffee and tea sachets handy. Warren the owner was very accommodating and just left me to it..but he did lend me some fishing equipment to borrow..all in all a very warm cottage well equipped with a pleasant view ..
Patrick Leigh
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robert West
4 Mar 2026
Loved the location and a nice well presented cottage.
Loved the location and a nice well presented cottage. We had a great time and loved watching the badgers come up to the cottage at dusk.